GDS Global signs exclusive distributorship agreement with New Zealand-based ARA Manufacture Metalbilt

Commercial and industrial door and shutter solution provider GDS Global (GDS) has signed an exclusive distributorship agreement with New Zealand-based ARA Manufacture Metalbilt as the exclusive distributor of GDS’s Gliderol products in New Zealand for a tenure of two years.

ARA Manufacture Metalbilt is New Zealand’s leading industrial and commercial door designer and manufacturer with a history in design and manufacturing expertise of over 70 years.

GDS says that through combining its Gliderol proprietary product range and engineering capabilities with ARA Manufacture Metalbilt’s deep local market knowledge and distribution network, the group will be “well-positioned” to capitalise on growth opportunities in New Zealand’s commercial and industrial door market together.

The move follows GDS’s share placement programme on Dec 29, 2025, where the group completed the placement of 60 million shares at 6.8 cents each, raising $4.08 million in gross proceeds.

In the announcement, the group says that net proceeds will be used for pursuing additional and larger projects locally and overseas; strengthen export sales and marketing capabilities to expand the company’s reach into new regional markets; and to provide working capital for the proposed acquisitions of two companies.

Tang Hee Sung, non-executive non-independent chairman at GDS Global says: “We see this collaboration as an important step in extending our geographical footprint while strengthening the group’s long-term competitiveness through practical, execution-focused market expansion.”

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Paul Hancock, general manager at ARA Manufacture Metalbilt adds: “We are witnessing a positive demand trend for the insulated fire shutters and other custom‑engineered door systems, this partnership enhances our ability to meet evolving customer requirements across New Zealand.”

Shares in GDS Global closed flat at 6.2 cents on Feb 9.